REGARDING EXAGGERATIONS IN PEDIGREE DOGS

  • DANSK KENNEL KLUB
  • HUNDARÆKTARFÉLAG
  • ISLANDS NORSK KENNEL KLUB
  • SUOMEN KENNELLIITTO
  • SVENSKA KENNELKLUBBEN

INTRODUCTION

The dog show judge has an excellent opportunity to prevent unsound breeding by avoiding giving high awards, and instead merit the specimen with the optimal combination of breed type and soundness.
The present document is a comprehensive survey of problems connected to exaggerations regarding pedigree dogs. This knowledge is of basic importance for all dog show judges, and concerns dogs of all breeds. Judges are requested to study the whole document. They should pay special attention to the specific text regarding the breed(s) they are judging, as well as the introduction for the for the pertinent FCI group. Please see “Application” for principles of advice.

The primary task of a dog show judge is to preserve the characteristics of each breed within the frames of the approved breed standard. This must, however, never be done at the expense of soundness. It is the responsibility of the judge to be thoroughly acquainted with the breed standard as well as the anatomical and constructional risk areas for possible health problems caused by exaggeration of the breed type characteristics. Such exaggerations may harm the individual dog, and interfere with the development of the breed as a whole.

A breed standard does not describe exaggerations, but the wording of breed typical characteristics can mislead judges and breeders to such interpretations that specimen with extreme type will be preferred at shows and, as a consequence, in breeding.
A judge shall primarily evaluate the exhibits as a result of previous generations of breeding. However, trends towards exaggerations must be identified before they have given rise to problems.*

The BSI identify areas of risk related to breed type. The intention of the document is to increase the judges’ awareness of problems related to exaggerations in breed types. BSI is thus primarily a complement to the breed standard, and not a listing of deviations and faults, nor a manual of rules connecting the observed issues to a fixed quality grading. The BSI implies recommendations to the judge to observe the breed specific areas of risk, and note issues as well as soundness in these areas. The general perspective is preventive more than criticizing, by not only noting deviations, but also focusing on soundness in the areas of risk. Frequently occurring construction faults, which are not connected to exaggeration in breed type, are principally not motivating for a breed to be listed nor regularly mentioned in the BSI.

The NKU BSI is based on the dog show experiences in the Nordic countries during the last decade, regarding identification of areas of risk in a selected number of high profile breeds. These instructions are the result of inventories made possible through extensive collaboration between dog show judges, breed clubs, veterinary surgeons and supported by veterinary health insurance statistics. This constitutes the basis for the selection of listed breeds and for the written directions for each breed. The structure of the inventory allows for a continuous follow up and dynamic revisions of the BSI.

The breeds listed constitute 37 of the approximately 300 FCI breeds represented in Nordic countries. They are selected from breeds deemed, by Scandinavian kennel clubs, as possibly challenged with a negative development due to exaggerated features.

APLICATION

A judge should familiarise himself/herself with the breed specific instructions for the breeds he or she has been invited to judge, and also the text introducing the pertinent breed group. All judges should be well acquainted with the sec9ons “Basics for all

dogs” (page 10) and “Breed types” (page 12).
It is of utmost importance that judges in quality grading and competition assessment continue to evaluate every dog in a positive manner regarding breed type and overall merit. However, exaggerations and faults, which may jeopardize soundness and health, must be scrutinized. An actual inspection of each dog is emphasized. This is relevant for all breeds, but especially for the BSI listed breeds.
It is important to remember that all dogs should be healthy and sound. However, a dog that is sound but lacking in breed type, is NOT a good representative of that particular breed.

BSI issues and quality grading

Observations regarding the BSI issues (areas of risk specific for each listed breed) should influence quality grading and competition assessment positively and negatively. The influence should depend on the degree and severity of the deviation, just like other faults.
It is the judge’s personal general evaluation of type, quality and soundness that motivates the quality and competition awards. BSI is not a manual of rules connecting issues to fixed quality grades, except when these observations are mentioned in the breed standard as disqualifying faults.
Judges are instructed to particularly consider the BSI issues when awarding CK (certificate quality), since this indicates that the judge has considered that the dog is worthy of the title of champion, and not only excellent. It is very important to remember that deviations from overall health and soundness are much more serious than cosmetic failings.
See Appendix 1 regarding FCI GC 2013 Basic Statement for Show Judges.

The written critiques

In written critiques, judges should comment on the BSI issues both positively and negatively, and how these observations influence the grading of each dog.
It is particularly important to highlight when dogs exhibit soundness and quality regarding the breed specific areas of risk. In this way, dog shows may support positive selection for
Application

APPLICATION

future breeding regarding the combination of Exaggerations in presentation
show qualities and soundness. The preventive intention of the BSI concept is thus fulfilled **.

The judges’ reports

The judges’ reports are of essential value of the BSI concept. Each breed has its own report form where the judges note observations regarding areas of risk in addition to the general evaluation. These reports are necessary for the follow-up of the

BSI listed breeds and for the continuous updating of the BSI document. These forms should also be communicated to the breed clubs in order to create consensus between judges and breed expertise. It is, however, up to the national kennel clubs to decide the practical implementation of the reporting.
The judge is invited to give his/hers further personal views and comments, and to suggest other breeds for the BSI list. The report form is also available to judges for breeds that are not BSI-listed.

Exaggerations in presentation may negatively influence the way the public view dog shows, and harm the respect for our sport and pedigree dogs.
Judges are therefore asked to point out in their critiques any exaggerations in handling and presentation which may make examination difficult and, more important, being detrimental to the dog, and unethical in relation to health and function. Coat preparation and grooming may lead to unacceptable living conditions for the dogs of some breeds. These topics are thus mentioned in the BSI text, alt- hough not directly concerning the BSI concept and affecting the breeding.

Movement should be evaluated at a breed specific speed and manner.

Basic for all dogs

The form for reporting BSI observations may also be used for breeds that are not listed in the BSI, if the judge wants to draw the a=en*on to a specific breed.
It is important to stress that serious deviations in the functions listed below should make the judge consider disqualification, even if that special deviation is not mentioned as a disqualifying fault in the standard.

The judge is asked to make it explicitly clear in the report which observation has motivated the disqualification.

Breathing

All dogs should be able to breathe normally, also when moving.

About assessment of respiratory distress symptoms, see Appendix 2.

Eyes

All dogs should have sound, clear eyes without signs of irritation. See Appendix 3.
breed standard requires. Incorrectly placed teeth may cause damage to the gums. Jaws should close normally.
The gums should not display any signs of injury, irritation or damage. Such deviations could be clinical signs of impaired health and should be handled accordingly.

Weight

No dogs should be obese/overweight or overly thin. All dogs should be in good muscular condition.

Skin and coat

All dogs should have healthy skin without any signs of irritation.
The extent and presentation of the coat should follow the requirements of the breed standard and not be so profuse that it affects the dog’s wellbeing and ability to move freely and soundly, also in daily life.

Movement

All dogs should move without effort and distress, and in a breed specific manner.

Bite and teeth

All dogs should have healthy teeth and well- functioning bite corresponding to what the

Behaviour

All dogs should have a temperament which allows them to function in the modern society. Breed typical behaviour is to be noted and respected, but should not prevent social behaviour and accessibility. Excessive reactions of fear or shyness is never desirable. Uncontrolled aggressive behaviour or panic attempts to flee, should not be tolerated, and shall consequently motivate the award “disqualified”.

Behaviour issues are especially mentioned in the BSI text where it has been indicated to be an area of risk.

Breed types

In a number of breeds, the type and characteristics are due to gene6c mutations (defect- genes) causing specific anatomical features, and should not be considered as normal canine anatomic variations.
Such breed types are the result of human intention to create breeds with specific physical breed characteristics. It is thus very important that judges and breeders, when preserving breed type characteristics, promote selection of dogs with optimal combination of breed type and vital constitution.

Brachycephalic breeds

The short skulled/faced (brachycephalic) breeds are represented in FCI groups 2 and 9. They constitute a group of breeds where the typical features are expressed to a varying degree in skull, muzzle, jaws, eyes, ribcage and skin. Exaggerations in the specific conformation might lead to serious health problems in these breeds; especially, but not exclusively, referring to problems in breathing and regulation of body temperature.

See Appendix 2:
Assessment of breathing distress See Appendix 3: Eye problems

Toy breeds

Small sized breeds, some6mes called dwarfs, are found in FCI group 9, but also in groups 2, 3, 4 and 5. When dwarfism is carried to the extreme, it leads to a devitalizing overall weakness and poor skeletal and muscular development. Further exaggerations of dwarfism would give rise to serious health problems. Some of the toy breeds are also brachycephalic (see above) and/or chondrodystrophic (see below).

Protruding eyes in shallow eye sockets occur in brachycephalic toy breeds. Open fontanel, wry lower jaw and lame (paralyzed) tongue also occur. Dwarfism can also cause ribcage malformations; shortened or open ribcage with short sternal bone, rib deformations and narrow ribcage. Powerless shuffling movement as a result of poor muscular condition, is seen in some breeds.

Breeds with chondrodystrophic (disproportionate) growth retardation

Breeds with chondrodystrophic (dispropor- 2tinate) growth retardation are seen in FCI groups 1, 3, 4, 6, 8 and 9. If the chondro- dystrophic traits are exaggerated, it leads to serious skeletal deformities and inability to move soundly. Inadequate ground clearance interfering with the working function of the breed is also a negative consequence.

The molossoïd breeds

This group includes the mastiff breeds and the mountain dogs, descendants of the ancient molossoïd dogs. These are dogs of giant size with accentuated body volume and skin, and are seen in FCI groups 1 and 2. These dogs must have a sound conformation of muscular strength and suitable amount of skin in order to function well and being able to carry out the specific traits required by the breed standards. The specific molossoïd traits must not be exaggerated creating grotesque dimensions. To this group belongs also the small molossoïd type breeds of group 9.

AFECTED BREEDS WITH DIFERENT HEREDITARY DISEASES

BREEDS IN GROUP 1

Collie, rough-haired and smooth-haired

Areas of risk are:

  1. Mouth: Narrow lower jaw resulting in inverted canine teeth going up into the upper palate. “The lower jaw shall be strong and well marked”
  2. Eyes: Excessively small and very deeply set eyes. Eyes shall be “Medium sized (never very small)”. See Appendix 3.
  3. Behaviour: Anxiousness and undue shyness.

Look for correct lower jaw, bite, teeth and eyes as well as correct behaviour. The standard notes

“Friendly disposition with no trace of nervousness or aggressiveness.”

Czechoslovakian Wolfdog (Ceskoslovenský Vlciak) Areas of risk are:

  1. Behaviour: Aggressiveness, anxiousness and undue shyness.
    ”Lively, very active, capable of endurance, docile with quick reactions. Fearless and courageous. Suspicious. Shows tremendous loyalty towards his master.” Breed typical behaviour is to be noted and respected, but should not prevent social behaviour and accessibility. Uncontrolled ag- gressive behaviour or panic atiempts to flee should motivate disqualification.

German Shepherd Dog (Deutscher Schäferhund)

Areas of risk are:

  1.  Hindquarters: Over-angulated and cow hocked hindquarters with instability in hocks. 2. Top line: Arched and cut away in loin and croup.
    Exaggeration in presentation with extreme handling precludes assessment of the demands of the standard: “the position of hind legs is slightly backwards whereby the hind limbs are parallel to each other when seen from the rear”. Evaluation of the movement should be made at both trot and walk.

Saarloos Wolfdog (Saarlooswolfhond)

Areas of risk are:

  1.  Behaviour: Aggressiveness, anxiousness and undue shyness.

“A lively dog, bursting with energy, with evidence of a proud independent character. Known to foremost obey his own will. Towards his master he is devoted and reliable to a high degree. Towards strangers he might be reserved and usually does not seek contact. The reserved and wolf-like manner to avoid unk- nown situations is typical.” Breed typical behaviour is to be noted and respected, but should not prevent social behaviour and accessibility. Excessive reactions of fear or shyness is never desirable. Uncontrolled aggressive behaviour or panic atiempts to flee should motivate disqualification.

BREEDS IN GROUP 2

Bulldog – brachycephalic and molossoïd type
The extreme conformation of this breed with shortened skull and muzzle, underdeveloped
bridge of nose and excessive amount of skin, causes health problems if exaggerated.

Areas of risk are:

  1. Breathing: Forced breathing, with pronounced snoring sounds due to short muzzle, pinched nostrils and/or narrow respiratory channels (insufficient room in pharyngeal cavies and air- ways). “Dogs showing respiratory distress highly undesirable.” “Pinched nostrils and heavy
    over nose wrinkle are unacceptable and should be heavily penalised.”
  2.  Exaggerated type conformaonandinsufficientangulaonoffore-andhindquartersmight result in unsound movement/lameness challenging the standard’s demand: “Soundness of movement of the utmost importance.”
  3. Face and eyes: Excessively short bridge of muzzle, excessively loose facial skin and loose eyelids can cause injury and inflammation of the eyes. Overhanging nose roll can cause inflammations.
  4.  Tail:Rigidtailcarried7ghtlyoveranusmaydisturbthefunc7ontodefecate.Skinwrinkles in the anal region can cause inflammations. “Lack of tail, inverted or extremely Aght tails are undesirable.”

The standard explicitly states the importance of unconstrained breathing.
Dogs with free, sound breathing and breed typical sound ac7on as well as sound skin and eyes
shall be particularly appreciated. It is of utmost importance that the tail is movable within the frame of the standard.

Bullmastiff – brachycephalic and molossoïd type

Areas of risk are:

  1. Facial skin: Exaggerated amount of facial skin, which can cause eye and eyelid problems.
  2. Skin problems.
  3. Hindquarters: Lack of angulation, which can cause knee problems.
  4. Top line: Exaggerated height over rear and very steep croup, which can cause locomotion problems.
  5. Type and size exaggerations. Look for sound breathing and that the muzzle is not shorter than one third of the length of the head. Sound movement and correct angulation in hindquarters should be praised highly, as well as sound skin and coat. Extreme type and size should not be preferred over soundness, balance and correct constrution.

Dogue De Bordeaux – brachycephalic and molossoïd type

Areas of risk are:

  1. General anatomical construction: Exaggerationo hestandardpointsregardingthefront,hindqu- arter angulation and the high croup, which can cause unsound movement without drive and vigour.
  2.  Loose eyelids.
    Look for functional anatomy, sound movement and sound eyes.

German Boxer (Deutscher Boxer) – brachycephalic and molossoïd type

Areas of risk are:

  1.  Breathing problems: Forced breathing, with pronounced snoring sounds due to short muz- zle, pinched nostrils and/or narrow respiratory channels (insufficient room in pharyngeal cavities and airways).
  2.  Skin: Irritation and discoloration.
    The standard prescribes that “Length of nose bridge in relation to skull should be 1:2” and muzzle must thus not be overly short. Den»on should be sound and according to the breed standard.
    Look for sound breathing, the correct proportions in head, the correct teeth, and healthy skin.

Great Dane (Deutsche Dogge) – molossoïd type

Areas of risk are:

  1.  Exaggeration in molossoïd type.
  2.  Fore- and hindquarters: Pasterns knuckling over, and weak hindquarters.
  3. Loose eyelids.
  4. Feet: Toe pads which do not meet the ground
  5. Behaviour: Anxiousness and undue shyness. Look for accessibility, correct fore- and hindquarters, correct feet, and sound eyes.

Mastiff – molossoïd type
Areas of risk are:

  1.  Hindquarters: ToohighaAherear,straightsBflesandverysteepcroupmaycauseincorrect and impaired movement.
  2. Loose eyelids.
  3.  Breathing problems: Forced breathing, with pronounced snoring sounds, otien with
    mouth constantly open, due to overly short muzzle, pinched nostrils and/or narrow respiratory channels (insufficient room in pharyngeal cavities and airways).
  4. Skin: Irritation and discoloration. Look for the typical strong, sound conformation supporting the strongly made body and heavy bone of this breed. The massive head shall be carried in a breed typical way. Movement must be sound and without discomfort.

Neapolitan Mastiff (Mastino Napoletano) – molossoïd type

The conformation of the breed is creating a “large heavy massive and bulky dog” which, ho- wever, must not be grotesque. The typical skin “thick abundant and loose all over the body” makes pronounced exaggerations risky.

Areas of risk are:

  1.  Skin: Exaggeratedamountofskiningeneral.Onhead: Formingwrinklessurroundingthe eyes, and/or oversized eyelids, which may cause eyelids folding inwards or outwards.. Lips: Unsound lip folds.
  2.  General construction: Incorrect construction of the legs and poor overall anatomy and conformation can cause unsoundness and discomfort of movement.
    Look for healthy skin and sound eyes, but also correct movement. Exaggerated amount of skin and incorrect movement should not be encouraged.
    Dogs with the required typical cat-like, agile, somewhat slow movement, with good drive from sound hindquarters and proper reach in front, should be highly appraised.

Saint Bernard Dog, short-haired and long-haired
(St. Bernhardshund) – molossoïd type

Areas of risk are:

  1.  Head:Overdimensionedandtooheavy.Exaggeratedamountoffacialskinandtoolooselipfolds.
  2.  Eyelids: Loose and/or oversized or inverted eyelids..
    Look for the correct amount of skin and sound eyes. Den,,on should be sound and accorti ding to the breed standard. The proportions of the dog must be correct and the construction powerful and movement sound.

Shar-Pei

The extreme type and character of the skin (mucinosis/hyaluronosis) of this breed may give rise to health problems when exaggerated.

Areas of risk are:

  1.  Skin: Exaggerated amounts of /and loose wrinkled skin, which may lead to eye, ear and skin problems.
  2. Eyes: Irritation and damage resulting from excessive amounts of skin 3. Mouth: The padding of the lower lip can fold over the teeth. When the lower lip isconstantly rolled in and “interfering with the bite”, it is a disqualifying fault according to the standard. (Constant Aght lip interferes with the development of the lower jaw).

Nota bene: The following are some other disqualifying faults mentioned in the breed standard:

“Skin folds or hair disturbing the normal function of the eye”, “Heavy folds of skin on body (except withers and base of tail) and limbs”.
Look for dogs without exaggerated amount of skin, correct lower lip, and sound/clear eyes and sound ears.

BREEDS IN GROUP 3

Bull Terrier/ Miniature Bull Terrier

Areas of risk are:

  1. Mouth: Narrow lower jaw with canine teeth going up into the upper palate.
  2. Skin: Irrita=on, and sparse coat without gloss.
  3.  Eyes: Undersized eye openings.
See Appendix 3.
The unique type of head explains the tendency for faulty bite. Look for a correct head and a strong lower jaw.

Norwich Terrier

Areas of risk are: Related to a tendency towards dwarfism, as well as abnormal conditions in throat/larynx causing forced and noisy respira=on.

  1.  Apple head, protruding eyes and a tendency to dish face, which can cause eye problems
    and breathing problems. Forced breathing with pronounced snoring sounds and noisy respiration.
See Appendix 2 and Appendix 3.
  1.  Movement: Excessively short neck and extremely short body negatively affecting
    movement.
    Look for a correct head type and body, but also sound and free movement and sound breathing.

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Areas of risk are:

  1.  Mouth: Lower canine teeth going up into the upper palate.
  2. Coat and skin: Sparse coat and skin irritation. Look for a correct bite, correct length of muzzle, normal breathing and healthy skin.

Yorkshire Terrier – toy terrier

Areas of risk are:

  1.  Mouth: Poor jaws and den77on as well as lame (paralyzed) tongue, which is a disqualifying anomaly.
  2. Exaggerated dwarfism: The standard points out: “Weight up to 3,2 kgs. Skull: Rather small and flat, not too prominent or round. Eyes; not prominent.”
  3. Coat: Long coat “must never impede movement” or the development of good muscular condition.

Look for sound breathing and normal development of muscular condition. The muzzle, healthy teeth and correct jaws and tongue are important.

BREEDS IN GROUP 6

Basset Hound – chondrodystrophic type
Exaggerations of the breed type and some breed characteristics constitute risks for health problems.

Areas of risk are:

  1.  Skin: Unsound and/or exaggerated amount of loose skin may cause inflammations in wrinkles. “Skin is supple and elastic without any exaggeration”.
  2. Fore- and hindquarters: Poor construction and inadequate ground clearance, resulting from exaggerated shortness of legs, may cause incorrect movement and interfere with the working function of the breed.
  3. Eyelids: Too loose, oversized, and/or inverted eyelids. See Appendix 3.
  4. .Ears: Exaggeration of length of ears. Look for typical proportions, eyes, ears and skin. Heavy ears and skin may cause eyelid problems. Of even greater importance is the correct movement. The standard reads “Smooth, powerful and effortless ac.on with forelegs reaching well forward and hind legs showing powerful thrust, hound moving true both front and rear. Hocks and s fles never s.ff in movement, nor must any toes be dragged”.

“It is important to bear in mind that this is a working hound and must be fit for purpose and therefore should be strong, ac.ve and capable of great endurance in the field.”

Bloodhound (Chien de Saint-Hubert)

Area of risk is:

  1. Skin and eyes: Exaggerated amount of skin and loose or inverted eyelids may cause problems. See Appendix 3.

BREEDS IN GROUP 7

Bracco Italiano

Area of risk is:

  1. Facial skin and eyelids: Exaggerated amounts of skin may cause unsound lip folds and/or eyelid problems.

Spinone Italiano

Area of risk is:

  1. Facial skin and eyelids: Exaggerated amounts of skin may cause unsound lip folds and/or eyelid problems.

BREEDS IN GROUP 8

American Cocker Spaniel

Areas of risk are mostly related to tendencies towards brachycephaly expressed in

  1.  Head: Overly short muzzle, too short rounded skull and bite problems.
  2. Eyes: Protruding eyes and shallow eye sockets, profuse flow of tears.
  3. Loose eyelids and unsound lip folds. Coat: Exaggerated volume of coat and incorrect coat texture. Look for correct head and muzzle proportions, sound eyes, normal tear drainage, and correct bite. Good length of ribcage and sternal bone and correct coat are also highly estimated. The standard reads about the coat: “…of a texture which permits easy care” and indicating the breed’s “…appearance and function as a moderately coated sporting dog”.

Clumber Spaniel

This should be an agile working dog of good condition, without overweight or exaggerations in head and skull.

Areas of risk are:

  1. Head: Excessively heavy with an abundance of loose skin and loose eyelids, which may cause eye problems.
  2. Exaggerated size and heaviness. Look for powerful, sound, typical movement in dogs with correct dimensions, size and head.

BREEDS IN GROUP 9

Belgian Griffon, Brussels Griffon and Small Brabant Griffon (Griffon Belge, Griffon Bruxellois and Pe4t Brabançon) – brachycephalic type

Areas of risk are:

  1.  Head: A small head with an overly short muzzle can give rise to eye injuries and neurological disorders.
  2.  Breathing: Forced breathing with pronounced snoring sounds caused by insufficient room in throat cavities and/or pinched nostrils and/or ribcage
  3. . Movement: A specific deviant patern of movement with frantic scratching behaviour and signs of unmovated pain when on leash may indicate a serious neurological disorder, syringomyelia.
    Particular atention must be paid to breathing, nose and sound eyes as well as the patern of movement.

Boston Terrier – brachycephalic and small molossoïd breed

Areas of risk are related to toy type and brachycephaly, expressed in page 12:

  1.  Breathing problems: Forced breathing, with pronounced snoring sounds due to a short
    muzzle, pinched nostrils and narrow respiratory channels (insufficient room in pharyngeal
    cavities and airways) and/or ribcage.
  2. General construction: Overly short body, roach back, diminutive tail, and too short
    and flat in muzzle. Heavy and coarse head
  3. Eyes: Protruding eyes and shallow eye sockets.
  4. Underdeveloped tail: Lack of visible/touchable tail vertebrae is a disqualifying fault.
    Look for sound breathing, the correct forma4on of the head/skull, and the dog’s pro- porpons.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Areas of risk are related to tendency towards brachycephaly, expressed in page 12:

  1. Head: Overly short muzzle, exaggerated stop, as well as very short, rounded skull (which
    may lead to a serious neurological disorder – syringomyelia)
  2. Breathing problems: Forced breathing, with pronounced snoring sounds due to short
  3. muzzle, pinched nostrils and/or narrow respiratory channels (insufficient room in pharyngeal caviFes and airways). See
  4. Eyes: Protruding eyes increase the risk for injuries. Loose eyelids. Profuse flow of tears. Skin folds showing sign of irritaFon.
  5. Movement: A specific deviant paOern of movement with a franFc scratching behaviour and signs of unmoFvated pain when on leash, may indicate a serious neurological disorder (syringomyelia).

Look for soundness of breathing, skin, eyes and movement. The wording of the standard explicitly warns for prevents a brachycephalic tendency: “Head, cranial region: Skull: Almost flat between ears. Stop: Shallow.” The eyes shall be “Large, dark, round but not prominent; spaced well apart”.

Chihuahua, smooth-haired and long-haired (Chihuaheño)

Areas of risk are all related to exaggerated dwarfism:

  1. Mouth: Problemslikeunderdevelopedmuzzlegivingrisetofaultybite,denFFonandjaws. Also canine teeth going up into upper palate.
  2. Lame (paralyzed) tongue.
  3. Eyes: Protruding eyes increase the risk for eye injuries.
  4. Hindquarters: Weedy and unsound in construction.
  5. Open fontanel is since 2010 a disqualifying fault, changed from being a characteristic
  6. feature. A minor dimple noticeable as the result of the closure of the fontanel is not a disqualifying fault. Particular aIention must be paid to the forma<on of the skull and the jaws and the general anatomy; “Hind legs well muscled with long bones”.

Chinese Crested Dog/hairless variety

The show preparation constitutes the area of risk:

  1.  Skin injuries caused by ethically unacceptable removal of hair (epilating and chemical hair removal) in order to present the dogs in agreement with the standard.

French Bulldog (Bouledogue francais) – brachycephalic and small molossoïd breed

The special conformation of this breed with shortened skull and overly short bridge of nose, as
well as underdeveloped tail, cause health problems if exaggerated further.

Areas of risk are:

  1. Breathing problems: Forced breathing, with pronounced snoring sounds due to short muzzle, pinched nostrils and/or narrow respiratory channels (insufficient room in pharyngeal cavities and airways) and/or ribcage. See Appendix 2.
  2. Face and eyes: Too short muzzle and protruding eyes, which increase the risk of eye injuries. See Appendix 3.
  3. Proportions and construction: Overly short proportions in neck and back as well as insufficient angulation in fore- and hindquarters can cause powerless dragging movement.
  4. Underdeveloped tail: Lack of visible/touchable tail vertebrae is a disqualifying fault.
  5. Look for sound breathing, correct bridge of nose, eyes, skin, tail, and movement. Breed standard
    reads; “Length of muzzle about 1/6 of the total length of the head”.
  6. The breed standard calls for an “ac<ve” dog which is “powerful for its small size, short, compact in all its proportions”, but the French Bulldog must not be excessively short in neck and back. Gait should be free and active.

Japanese Chin – brachycephalic type

Areas of risk are:

  1. Breathing: Forced breathing with pronounced snoring sounds caused by too small skull, which limits the room of the upper respiratory cavities, pinched nostrils, and too short ribcage.
  2. Eyes: Protruding eyes in shallow eye sockets may predispose for injuries
  3. Look for sound breathing and the correct forma?on of the head/skull and the ribcage.

FCI GROUP 9 King Charles Spaniel – brachycephalic type

Areas of risk are:

  1. General construction: Poor, underdeveloped ribcage with a keel; bent front legs and feet turning out.
  2. Muzzle: Too short.
  3. Eyes: Protruding eyes increase the risk for injuries.
  4. Movement: A specific deviant patiern of movement with frantic scratching behaviour and
    signs of unmotivated pain when on leash, may indicate a serious neurological disorder (syringomyelia). Particular atiention must be paid to sound breathing and the general anatomy.

Pekingese – brachycephalic and chondrodystrophic type

The special conformation of this breed by the shortened skull, overly short bridge of nose and jaws, may cause health problems if exaggerated.

Areas of risk are related to exaggerated dwarfism, brachycephaly and chondrodystrophy:

  1.  Eyes: Protruding eyes, which increase the risk for eye injuries.
  2. Breathing problems: Forced breathing with pronounced snoring sounds due to short muzzle, pinched nostrils and/or narrow respiratory channels (insufficient room in pharyngeal cavities and airways).
  3. Nose wrinkle: Overhanging nose wrinkle can obstruct the nostrils, and can cause skin inflammation.
  4. General constrution: Weak with poor ribcage, short sternal bone and bad muscle condition.
  5. Coat: Coat which can be too profuse and/or woolly, and cause discomfort. The standard reads “Length and volume of coat should neither impair the activity of the dog nor obscure the shapeliness of body. Excessive coat must be heavily penalized.”

“All signs of respiratory distress are unacceptable and should be heavily penalized”. Breathing shall be assessed with the dog in action.
Untypical/unsound movement must not be confused with “Typically slow, dignified rolling gait in front”. “Any signs of inability to move soundly are unacceptable and should be heavily penalized”.

Pug – brachycephalic and small molossoïd breed

Areas of risk are:

  1. Breathing problems: Forced breathing with pronounced snoring sounds due to short muzzle, pinched nostrils, narrow respiratory channels (insufficient room in pharyngeal cavities and airways) and/or short and open ribcage with short ribs and sternal bone. Obesity/overweight. Face: Overly short muzzle with improper dentition, excessive loose skin, and hair on
    a nose wrinkle disturbing the function of the eyes as well as the nose. The standard does in fact not ask for a nose wrinkle – neither unbroken nor broken.
  2. Eyes: Protruding eyes, which increase the risk of eye injuries.
    Look for sound breathing, sound skin and eyes, the formaDon of the ribcage, and the size and weight. The standard menDons the ideal weight to be 6,3-8,1 kg. The standard calls for: “Muzzle: relatively short”.

Shih Tzu – brachycephalic and chondrodystrophic type

Areas of risk are:

  1. Breathing: Forced breathing with pronounced snoring sounds, caused by brachycephaly and too small head (which limits the room of the upper respiratory cavities), too short muzzle and/or pinched nostrils. Eyes: Protruding eyes, which increase the risk of eye injuries.
  2. Mouth: Narrow lower jaw and poor dentition.

Look for sound breathing and correct head proportions, eyes, jaws and teeth.